But after much consideration I think I would pass. The end result would most likely be.... Tacky for lack of a better word. Like most things in themeparks. My progress so far on my walk to Rivendell I have traveled 71 miles I have passed Buckleberry Ferry. It is 2 miles to the next landmark. I have 387 miles until I reach Rivendell.

the attraction you have described, if one were established. It sounds "tasteful" enough to me!

And I suppose I could tolerate one merry-go-round, so long as it appeared to be properly Dwarf-constructed. The Mirkwood realm caverns tour, followed by the barrel rapids ride, sounds like it might be fun too. A bag is like a hole that you can carry with you.

Also I'd like to have themed restaurants that showcase cuisine based on Elvish, Hobbit, Dwarvish, Rohan etc, and an area for retail based on the marketplace in Hobbiton, which would be a bit like a Renaissance Faire. Maybe 4D shows that immerse you in a chase scene though Moria or a ride on the back of an Eagle, for examples. Live shows in which scenes are reenacted, with combat choreography. Musical or dance performances by Tolkien-inspired bands or groups. Also an archery range and an axe-throw, dart-throw, and knife-throw , with prizes offered, would be good.

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauronís master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.

I went there over the summer and it was like being transported straight back to my childhood. Now, even LOTR didn't have quite the same impact on me when I was very young, but I would totally go to a Middle-earth theme park. Of course it wouldn't "bring Tolkien" to people, but would it be "worse" than the movies in terms of creating confusion about Tolkien's works? I doubt it. At least with a theme park, most people aren't going to have any illusions about whether or not they're experiencing an accurate version of the original story.

I'd imagine that advocates of serious Tolkien scholarship who are trying to get more University-level classes about Tolkien started would regret the continued "pop culture-fication" of Middle-earth, but honestly, I think that ship sailed a long time ago.